Part 1: David’s Case
David was a gardener with a reputation for being a very passive and mild mannered person. Over a very short
period of time his behaviour changed markedly. He became very bad tempered and lashed out at family mem-
bers, something they describe as being completely out of character for him. While working at a client’s house
he got into an argument with her and beat her to death. The prosecution argued that he had lost his temper
and murdered her in a fit of rage. The jury believed the prosecution and he was sentenced to life in prison.
Discussion Questions:
• Based on your review of David’s case, what assumptions did you make about his behaviour?
• Do you think David was responsible for his crime?
• How significant is it that David was reported to be acting “out of character” in the days immediately prior to
the murder? What other factors may be at play?
Summarize your answers to the questions and include them in your short essay
